Autocar India
19w

Hi, I am thinking of adding a second bike to my garage (my primary bike is a Ducati Scrambler, which I have ridden for over 12,000 km in the last two years). My primary use case for the second bike is that it should be city-friendly, lightweight, capable of handling a pillion for city commutes, and still be fun to ride with good handling in the twisties (for quick breakfast rides, though the Scrambler will handle most of those). I have shortlisted the Duke 160 and 200. The new 200 now has the same weight savings as the 160, and both bikes are only ₹18,000 apart. I have test ridden the 160 multiple times and found it to be smooth (unlike a typical KTM), with decent torque in the low to mid rev range and a step up in power post 6,000 RPM for some fun. I haven’t been able to test ride the new 200 yet. I have been told that it feels more crude in comparison, requires higher revs to perform well, heats up quickly, and has some vibrations. Which bike would suit my use case better?

Verified
19w

Between 160 and 200 Duke models, we'd steer you toward the 200 Duke because it seems like you're looking for a fun machine and since you already have a bigger machine at home, the 160 could feel a little bland as time wears on. The 200 Duke has a rev-happy nature like the 160 Duke and with its added firepower, it makes for a good second machine, especially considering that the price difference between the two isn't all that large. 

If we're being honest, you should actually also take a look at the 250 Duke because it is a genuine step up over the 200 and if you're going to keep the bike for a while, go the whole hog and get something that will keep you entertained for a longer period. In our experience, we've found the latest-gen 250 Duke to be a sweet middle child of sorts in the KTM lineup, which offers everyday versatility with engaging performance when you want it. Over the 200 Duke, the 250 also doesn't cost a lot more and we'd recommend you stretch your budget if you can and get the quarter-litre Duke if you can.

Take a test ride of the 250 Duke to see if you resonate with this KTM bike and then make your decision. 

KTM 250 Duke

KTM 250 Duke

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

19w

Thanks for your reply. With the 3rd gen Dukes I found them quite cramped. I am not a very tall guy (5’9”) but still find the 2nd gen dukes roomier. Also, while I understand that the 250 will be a better bike overall I just want least overlap between my Scrambler and Duke so that both can enjoy the ride time. I am sure the 250 is more versatile for highway trips as well but then I want to leave that for the Scrambler. The 200 will be my city scalpel and the Scrambler will take the highway duties. That’s my overall premise 😊

More posts on similar bikes

1d

I have loved manual-transmission cars since childhood. I grew up watching people drive manual cars, and my love for cars and driving has only grown over the years. However, people keep telling me that driving a manual car in heavy city traffic can be difficult and tiring. I genuinely enjoy driving and feel that a manual car gives me a more engaging driving experience. So, what should I do? Should I accept the realities of heavy city traffic and buy an automatic, or should I follow my heart, buy a manual sedan and accept the inconvenience of driving a manual in heavy traffic? I am currently considering the Skoda Slavia 1.0 MT. Does it make sense to choose the manual given my love for driving, or would an automatic be more practical for city use?

Verified
1d

Have you been driving regularly or are you simply fascinated by the concept of owning a manual sedan? If it is the latter, we'll recommend you to rent any self-driven manual car for a week, and replicate your daily usage with. If you're comfortable driving the manual car in traffic, then go ahead and get the car you've been longing for. A self-drive rental might seem a bit expensive but it'll help you get clarity of which transmission you should pick for the long term.The Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI MT is a good choice, but since you have a Rs 20-30 lakh budget for a sedan, we'd suggest you consider the Hyundai Verna 1.5 Turbo 6MT instead. The Verna's 1.5 Turbo engine is much more powerful, gearbox is smoother, and clutch is lighter than the Skoda's.

VehicleSkoda Slavia
VehicleHyundai Verna
3d

I need your expert advice on purchasing a new automatic CNG car. I am currently considering the Honda Amaze VX CVT with a government-approved sequential CNG kit retrofit and the factory-fitted Tata Punch Accomplished Plus S CNG AMT. I am also open to other recommendations within this price range. My on-road budget is a maximum of Rs 12 lakh, and my monthly running is around 900-1,200 km, with 80% city driving in heavy traffic and 20% weekend highway trips. I am based in Delhi-NCR and want a reliable CNG setup paired with an automatic transmission. My main concern is dealing with heavy traffic, bad road patches, potholes and severe waterlogging during the Delhi monsoon. I am specifically considering the top-spec Punch because I intend to keep the car for at least 10 years. I want a well-equipped, future-proof car so that I do not regret missing out on features later. If CNG retrofitment is possible on the top-spec Honda Amaze, I would consider that version as well. My key priorities are a stress-free automatic driving experience, sufficient ground clearance to tackle potholes and waterlogged roads, and low long-term maintenance costs. Given these requirements, which car would offer the most durable, hassle-free and enjoyable ownership experience?

Verified
2d

Go for the Tata Punch Accomplished Plus S CNG AMT. The Punch’s high ground clearance and SUV-like stance make it far better suited to bad roads and monsoon conditions than the Honda Amaze. The factory-fitted CNG system is also a big advantage. It’s fully integrated, covered by the manufacturer's warranty, and you avoid the potential reliability and warranty complications that can come with aftermarket kits. The AMT gearbox is not as smooth as Honda’s CVT, but it is reliable and gets the job done in city traffic.The Punch also gives you the peace of mind of a top-spec variant from day one, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out on features later. The Amaze VX CVT is a good car, but retrofitting CNG to a top model is not as clean a solution, and the low ground clearance is a real drawback for your usage.

VehicleTata Punch
VehicleHonda Amaze

Popular discussions right now

Posted on: 6 May 2026